Partition wall for an aircraft seating arrangement with sliding door and associated aircraft seating arrangement

Description

technical field

[0001] The invention relates, in general, to the cabin fittings of a vehicle such as an aircraft.

[0002] In particular, the invention relates to aircraft cabin layouts offering passengers, especially business class passengers, private suites equipped with an opening, such as a deployable door. Previous techniques

[0003] WO 2018 / 184778 A1 describes a partition for aircraft seating arrangements. In aircraft equipped with such private suites, the opening is generally sliding and allows the partition between the passenger and the aircraft aisle to be closed, thus defining a space of privacy and seclusion for the passenger.

[0004] In an aircraft, one of the primary challenges is managing the weight of the onboard cabin fittings as well as managing the density of the installation of the fittings, while guaranteeing the comfort needs of passengers and compliance with safety requirements.

[0005] Such a partition with a deployable door can prove dangerous for passengers in an emergency if the partition malfunctions. For example, if the door malfunctions once deployed, there is a risk that it could become stuck in the deployed position, blocking access to emergency exits.

[0006] The aim of the invention is therefore to allow the passenger to open the partition even in the event of a malfunction, i.e. in the event of a blockage in the closed position, particularly in the event of an emergency evacuation.

[0007] Another goal is to offer such a system which respects the same imperatives of simplicity, lightness and compactness as the partition itself.

[0008] The invention therefore relates to a partition according to claim 1.

[0009] Preferred features of the invention are defined in the dependent claims. Brief description of the drawings

[0010] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [ Fig1 ] illustrates a longitudinal section of a partition according to the invention in the open position; [ Fig2 ] illustrates a longitudinal section of a partition according to the invention in the closed position; [ Fig3] illustrates a top cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a removable partition joint, in the fixed position; [ Fig4 ] shows the removable link of the figure 3 , in a position of disengagement; [ Fig5A ] illustrates a partition comprising a removable connection according to a second embodiment which is not part of the invention; and [ Fig5B ] illustrates a perspective view of the removable joint of the figure 5A . Detailed description of at least one embodiment

[0011] A schematic representation has been shown on the Figures 1 And 2 a longitudinal section of a partition 1 according to the invention.

[0012] Partition 1 is a partition specifically designed for use in a vehicle to define the layout of a passenger seat within a shared space. For example, the vehicle could be an aircraft, with the seating arrangement intended for the business class cabin.

[0013] Partition 1 comprises a fixed part 2 and a sliding door 3 movable between an opening position shown on the figure 1 in which the door 3 is retracted into a housing 4 made in the fixed part 2 and a closed position shown on the figure 2 in which door 3 is out of housing 4.

[0014] The fixed part 2 is represented on the Figures 1 And 2 in longitudinal section. The fixed part 2 includes an interior surface 5 parallel to the sliding door 3. The interior surface 5 can be the inner face of the wall of the fixed part 2 or a surface attached to the fixed part 2 and located between the wall of the fixed part and the plane containing the sliding door 3. In this second case, shown on the Figures 1 And 2The inner surface 5 includes a set of circular holes in order to save the amount of material used to manufacture the surface 5, and also to lighten the surface 5. The inner surface 5 is fixed relative to the fixed part 2 throughout the movement of the movable door 3.

[0015] The fixed part 2 is hollow in that it includes an internal cavity defining a housing 4 intended to receive the sliding door 3. The fixed part 2 also includes a lateral vertical opening 6 allowing access to the housing 4.

[0016] The sliding door 3 is movable along a sliding axis parallel to the inner surface 5 and passing through the opening 6. The sliding door 3 comprises a height 3a and a width 3b, the width 3b being parallel to the sliding axis and the height 3a being perpendicular to this sliding axis and parallel to the opening 6.

[0017] The sliding door 3 includes, for example, a flat door panel 3c and a handle 3d positioned on one end of the door 7a which is opposite another end of the door 7b, this other end 7b being opposite the fixed part 2 in the closed position shown figure 2 .

[0018] In the open position, the sliding door 3 is fully inserted into the housing 4 and is therefore retracted. In this position, the sliding door 3 does not obstruct passage, and the partition 1 includes an opening allowing the passenger to pass through. Conversely, in the closed position, the sliding door 3 is positioned completely outside the housing 4 and thus blocks the opening. The partition 1 is therefore closed, and the passenger is isolated from the rest of the aircraft cabin.

[0019] Partition 1 includes a mechanical assistance device for the movement of sliding door 3.

[0020] The mechanical assistance device includes a sliding mount 8, a guide rail 9, and a bistable mechanical assistance means 10.

[0021] The sliding frame 8 supports the sliding door 3 and is fixed relative to this door 3.

[0022] The guide rail 9 is positioned within the housing 4, for example, at the bottom of the housing 4, to define the sliding axis of the door 3. The guide rail 9 is thus positioned so that the sliding door 3 can completely pass through the opening 6 during its movement along the rail 9 between the open and closed positions. The guide rail 9 extends over a length approximately equal to the width 3b of the door. Furthermore, the guide rail 9 includes a first end 9a positioned approximately at the level of the opening 6.

[0023] Possibly, the mechanical assistance device includes two guide rails 9, for example arranged respectively at the top and bottom of the housing 4.

[0024] The sliding frame 8 includes a means for sliding on the rail 9 such as a slide 11 mounted on the rail 9. Thus, the sliding frame 8 is capable of sliding the door 3 between the open and closed positions.

[0025] More specifically, the sliding frame 8 of door 3 has a profiled "U" shape and clamps door 3, as shown in the figure 3 . There figure 3 illustrates a top view of door 3 supported by mount 8.

[0026] In an embodiment in which two guide rails 9 are arranged at the top and bottom respectively of the housing 4, the sliding mount 8 is in the shape of an "O" and completely encloses the door 3.

[0027] The sliding frame 8 is located at the end 7b of the door 3. In this way, the stroke length of the slide 11 on the rail 9 is maximized so as to fully extend the door 3 from the housing 4 in the closed position of the partition 1 and to fully retract it in the open position.

[0028] The mechanical assistance means 10 is a bistable gas spring. The bistable gas spring 10 is fixed by a first end 10a to the fixed part 2 and by an opposite end 10b to the sliding mount 8. More precisely, the end 10a of the gas spring is fixed to the inner surface 5.

[0029] The gas spring is said to be bistable in that it comprises two opposing stability positions corresponding respectively to the open position and the closed position. More precisely, the spring is fixed by its end 10a to the inner surface 5 of the fixed part 2 at a midpoint between the position of the end 7b in the closed position and the position of the end 7b in the open position of the partition 1.

[0030] Thus, during the sliding of door 3 via the sliding of the mount 8, end 10a remains fixed and end 10b slides along the sliding axis. The actuator 10 is therefore pivotally mounted around the axis perpendicular to the inner surface 5 and supporting end 10a, and includes a pivot point in its stroke. Before passing this pivot point, the actuator 10 brakes the movement of the mount 8 supporting door 3 and thus tends to resist the movement between the open and closed positions of partition 1. After passing the pivot point, however, the actuator 10 exerts a pushing force on the mount 8, tending to favor the movement between the open and closed positions of partition 1. The pivot point is located approximately in the middle of the stroke of the mount 8 between the open and closed positions.

[0031] Thus, the mechanical assistance device acts on the door 3 between the opening and closing positions of the partition 1 and is adapted to apply a braking force and a pushing force during successive respective phases of the movement of the door 3 between the opening and closing positions.

[0032] The gas spring 10 is positioned to apply force to the frame 8 when the door 3 is in the closed or open position. Furthermore, the partition 1 includes a first stop 12a and a second stop 12b, vertical and positioned respectively on either side of the door 3 along the sliding axis defined by the rail 9.

[0033] More specifically, stops 12a and 12b are possibly identical, and are positioned respectively on either side of the opening 6, and at a distance from the opening 6 equivalent to the width 3b of the door 3.

[0034] In this way, the vertical end 7a of the door 3 rests against the first stop 12a in the closed position and the end 7b of the door 3 rests against the second stop 12b in the open position.

[0035] The use of a gas spring allows for further control of the exit speed of door 3. Indeed, the spring is of low power and allows control of the movement speed of door 3 and cushioning of the positions at the end of the stroke, for example to reduce the risk of pinching in the closed position.

[0036] The mechanical assistance device is therefore capable of holding door 3 in the open and closed positions. Thus, partition 1 remains in the open or closed position regardless of the aircraft's angle of flight.

[0037] The mechanical assistance device can be activated manually by the passenger via the 3D handle on door 3.

[0038] More specifically, when partition 1 is open, door 3 retracts into housing 4 in the fixed part 2. Handle 3d, positioned on the end 7a of door 3, is accessible to the passenger. The passenger can therefore pull door 3 in the direction of partition closure. The movement of door 3 comprises two successive phases. During the first phase, between the open position and the tipping point, the passenger must pull the door in the closing direction firmly enough to counteract the braking force of the gas spring 10. During the second phase, between the tipping point and the closed position, the user can release door 3, the gas spring exerting a pushing force that moves door 3 until partition 1 is closed.

[0039] Since the deployment mechanism of door 3 relies primarily on the cylinder 10 in its bistable position, the device according to the invention is streamlined and reduces weight by decreasing the number of parts required. Furthermore, the simplicity of the device allows for greater compactness. Indeed, the partition 1 according to the invention is usable for an aircraft cabin with a short pitch of approximately 34 inches while still complying with the egress space requirements for evacuation.

[0040] Furthermore, the deployment mechanism is supported by simple, reliable and interchangeable mechanical components.

[0041] Furthermore, partition 1 includes a removable link between door 3 and frame 8. This link, a first embodiment of which is shown on the figure 3The objective is to secure door 3 to frame 8 in order to allow door 3 to slide via the sliding of frame 8. This connection also allows the passenger to operate door 3 in the event of failure of the mechanical assistance device or the deployment mechanism of door 3.

[0042] This allows door 3 to be opened in case the deployment mechanism of door 3 is blocked in the closed position.

[0043] The removable linkage includes releaseable means for securing the frame 8 to the door 3.

[0044] In a first embodiment illustrated on the figure 3 The releasable means of securing include a shoulder 13 disposed at the end 7b of the door 3, an internal stop element 14 of the frame 8 and leaf springs 15.

[0045] The shoulder 13 is located at end 7b of the gate 3 and is fixed to this end 7b. The shoulder 13 extends perpendicularly to the gate 3 and on either side of the gate 3. More precisely, the frame 8 clamps the gate 3 at the level of end 7b and shoulder 13.

[0046] The inner stop element 14 is arranged in the frame 8 between the shoulder 13 and a first vertical end 8a of the frame 8 opposite the opening 6, in the open position of the partition 1. Thus, when the door 3 is pulled by a passenger in the direction of closing the partition 1, the shoulder 13 comes against the element 14 and applies a force on the frame 8 so as to make it slide with the door 3.

[0047] The shoulder 13 is held pressed against the inner stop element 14 by leaf springs 15. More specifically, the leaf springs 15 comprise two leaf springs 15a and 15b, each comprising at least one leaf, this leaf being convex with respect to the gate 3. The springs 15a and 15b are arranged symmetrically with respect to the sliding axis inside the mount 8, between the inner stop element 14 and a second vertical end 8b opposite the end 8a. The convexity of the leaf springs 15a and 15b defines a narrowing of the axis of passage of the door 3 in the mount 8, which locks the shoulder 13 in position against the inner stop element 14. Thus, when the shoulder 13 is immobilized between the inner stop element 14 and the leaf springs 15, the door 3 is fixed to the mount 8.

[0048] The maximum narrowing of the axis of passage of the gate 3 in the mount 8 is positioned at the respective vertices 16a and 17a of the convexities of each spring 15a and 15b. Thus, the leaf springs 15a and 15b comprise respectively two portions 16b and 16c for spring 15a, and two portions 17b and 17c for spring 15b such that portions 16b and 17b, respectively 16c and 17c, are opposite and symmetrical with respect to the axis of passage of the gate 3 in the mount 8. More precisely, portions 16b and 17b approach each other up to their respective ends formed by the vertices 16a and 17a, and portions 16c and 17c move away from each other from the vertices 16a and 17a, respectively.

[0049] The shoulder 13 is immobilized between the internal stop element 14 and the portions 16b and 17b.

[0050] The removable link can be deactivated so that, in the event of blockage of the frame 8, the door 3 is detached and can be brought back to the opening position of the partition 1.

[0051] More specifically, the connection between the frame 8 and the door 3 can be deactivated by a force exceeding a predetermined threshold applied to the door 3 along a specific direction of its sliding axis. Thus, when the mechanical assistance device malfunctions and the frame 8 supporting the door 3 is jammed on the rail 9 in a position where the door is partially or completely out of its housing 4, the passenger pushes sufficiently hard on the door 3 along the axis of the rail 9 towards the fixed part 2 to release the door by disengaging it from the springs.

[0052] Indeed, the shoulder 13 is in contact with portions 16b and 17b of the leaf springs 15, which are moving closer together. In this way, when the frame 8 is locked onto the rail 9 and the passenger pushes on the door 3 in the corresponding direction, the shoulder 13 at the end 7b exerts a force on portions 16b and 17b, tending to move them away from the axis of passage of the door 3. When the pushing force exceeds a predetermined threshold, the springs 15a and 15b are sufficiently separated to allow the shoulder 13 to slide between them. The door 3 is then no longer held in the direction of the housing 4, and the passenger can slide it into the housing 4 and thus open the partition 1.

[0053] There figure 4 illustrates a view of the first embodiment of the figure 3in which door 3 and shoulder 13 are released from the fastening means. Springs 15a and 16a have returned to their initial shape after passing shoulder 13. The initial gap between peaks 16a and 17a being greater than the thickness of door 3, door 3 is no longer secured by sliding towards the stop 12b with the frame 8. The passenger can therefore exert a push on door 3 so as to retract it into the housing 4.

[0054] Furthermore, when the passenger pulls on door 3 in the opposite direction, that is, in the direction of stop 12a, shoulder 13 can perform the reverse operation and exert a force on springs 15 so that portions 16c and 17c move apart until shoulder 13 can pass through. Shoulder 13 then returns to its initial position. figure 3 and door 3 is once again attached to frame 8.

[0055] Preferably, the partition 1 may include a set of such movable links arranged regularly on the end 7b of the door 3. For example, the partition 1 includes three movable links on the end 7b respectively at the top, bottom and middle of the end 7b.

[0056] A second embodiment of the removable joint is shown on the Figures 5A And 5B .

[0057] There figure 5A represents partition 1 equipped with two removable connections according to the second embodiment, and the figure 5B represents a perspective view of a removable joint according to the second embodiment.

[0058] In the second embodiment, the removable link comprises two magnets 18a and 18b. Magnet 18a is fixed to the door 3 and magnet 18b is fixed to the mount 8. The attachment of door 3 to mount 8 is ensured by the mutual attraction of magnets 18a and 18b.

[0059] More specifically, magnet 18a is attached to door 3 by means of a first support 19a, and magnet 18b is attached to the mount 8 by means of a second support 19b. Supports 19a and 19b, and magnets 18a and 18b, are arranged respectively on door 3 and mount 8 such that the axis of connection between magnets 18a and 18b is parallel to, but not coincident with, the sliding axis of door 3. More precisely, support 19a is a plate disposed on the thickness of the end 7b of door 3, that is, on the surface of door 3 opposite the stop 12b. Furthermore, support 19a extends perpendicularly beyond door 3 so as to define a lug 20 on which magnet 18a is disposed. Also, the support 19b is fixed on a surface of the mount 8 parallel to the gate 3, and the magnet 18b is arranged on the support 19b.

[0060] In this way, when the frame 8 is locked, the passenger can exert a pushing force on the door 3 in the direction of the stop 12b exceeding a predetermined threshold of the attractive force of the magnets 18a and 18b. The magnets 18a and 18b are then separated, as are the door 3 and the frame 8. Since the axis of connection between the magnets 18a and 18b is parallel to, but not coincident with, the sliding axis of the door 3, the pushing force exerted by the passenger causes the door 3 to slide into the housing 4.

[0061] Thus, in both embodiments, the removable link can be deactivated by a push exerted on the door along a direction of the sliding axis.

Claims

1. A partition (1) for an aircraft seat arrangement comprising a stationary portion (2) and a sliding door (3) capable of moving along a sliding axis between an open position, in which the door (3) is retracted into a recess (4) provided in the stationary portion (2) and a closed position, in which the door (3) is extended from the recess (4), the partition (1) comprising a main device (8,9) for sliding the door (3) comprising a sliding mount (8) supporting the door (3), the partition comprising a removable connection between the door (3) and the mount (8) that can be deactivated in the event of failure of the main sliding device, the removable connection being capable of being deactivated by a force greater than a predetermined threshold exerted on the door (3) along the sliding axis in the opening direction, the removable connection comprising releasable securing means (15; 18) of the mount (8) to the door (3) capable of releasing the door (3) under the effect of the force greater than the predetermined threshold, the partition being characterised in that the door (3) comprises a shoulder (13) disposed on an end (7b) of the door (3) facing the stationary portion (2) in the closed position of the partition (1), the securing means (15) comprising two leaf springs (15a, 15b) disposed facing each other configured on the one hand to hold the shoulder (13) in translation during the operation of the main device and on the other hand to move away under the effect of said force so as to release the shoulder (13) upon failure of the main device.

2. An aircraft seat arrangement comprising a seat and a partition (1) according to claim 1.

3. The arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the partition (1) is disposed such that the door (3) in the closed position isolates the seat from a corridor of the aircraft.